The Ioniq won’t impress your neighbours, but it’ll go easy on your wallet. We break down why this hybrid still makes sense
The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq is powered by both a permanent magnet electric motor and a 1.6-litre, 104-horsepower, four-cylinder engine.
Looking to slash fuel costs without jumping into a full EV? The used 2018 Hyundai Ioniq offers serious savings and practicality—just don’t expect much fun behind the wheel.
Hyundai’s first-generation hybrid hatchback isn’t fast or flashy, but it’s one of the most efficient cars you can buy for the price. For budget-conscious commuters, it’s a quiet achiever with a solid feature set and real-world economy that rivals a Prius—for less money.
Originally offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric formats, the Ioniq debuted in North America in 2017 and by 2018 came in four trims: Blue, SE, Limited and Limited Tech. The PHEV version—the one that lets you drive short distances on electricity alone before switching to gas—combined a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with a permanent magnet electric motor. Total system output was 139 horsepower.
Clean, functional and well-equipped — the 2018 Ioniq interior puts practicality first.
• Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch auto
• Fuel Economy: 4.1 L/100 km combined
• Electric Range: Up to 47 km (PHEV)
• Cargo Space: 750 litres
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
• Seating: 5 passengers
• Used Price: $15,000–$21,000 (2025)
It uses a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission—a design meant to shift quickly and efficiently, but one that can feel clunky or hesitant during low-speed manoeuvres like parking. And you’ll notice it. Acceleration is sluggish, particularly on hills or freeway ramps, and the power delivery isn’t always smooth. It’s efficient, yes—but not elegant.
Once you’re up to speed, ride quality settles in comfortably, and the cabin layout is typical Hyundai: clean, straightforward and user-friendly. The Ioniq does well with creature comforts, especially in upper trims. Expect heated seats, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and a good list of safety features like blind spot detection, lane departure warning and rear parking assist. That lane departure system, which beeps or gently nudges the wheel if you drift out of your lane without signalling, can be a bit much, and many drivers choose to disable it.
Cargo space is generous for a compact hatchback, with 750 litres available with the rear seats up. That’s enough for a weekend trip or a full load of groceries. Towing isn’t recommended, but that’s common for hybrids.
Where the Ioniq earns its keep is at the pump. Hyundai billed it as Canada’s most fuel-efficient car at the time, boasting over 1,000 kilometres of range on a single tank. Real-world numbers often came close. The plug-in hybrid model can travel about 47 kilometres on electricity alone—ideal for short commutes—and the battery can be charged at home in six to eight hours using a standard outlet, or faster with a Level 2 charger.
The battery pack—a lithium-ion polymer setup, like those found in most modern hybrids and EVs—supported those savings, and Hyundai backed it with an eight-year or 160,000-kilometre hybrid system warranty. Most 2018 models are now nearing the end of that coverage, so prospective buyers should factor that in. That said, most owners report good battery health well beyond 100,000 kilometres, and major issues are rare with proper maintenance.
Prices for a used 2018 Hyundai Ioniq in Canada vary by trim and condition, but most fall between $15,000 and $21,000. The base hybrid models tend to sit at the lower end of that range, while Limited and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) trims with lower mileage and full maintenance history can still command closer to $20,000. That puts the Ioniq well below the resale value of a comparable Toyota Prius, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious buyers looking to go hybrid without breaking the bank.
Given those quirks, used buyers should insist on a full inspection, particularly of the battery system, and look for regular service history. There are no widespread mechanical issues, but the drivetrain’s awkwardness and the dual-clutch transmission’s behaviour at low speeds are well documented.
Compared to a used Toyota Prius, the Ioniq is cheaper to buy and better equipped for the price, but it lacks the Prius’s reputation for long-term refinement and resale value. Still, if your driving habits lean toward urban commutes and fuel savings matter more than horsepower, the Ioniq makes a strong value case.
Our Verdict
If your priorities are economy, practicality and comfort—and you can live without thrills—the used Hyundai Ioniq makes a solid case for itself. Just don’t expect it to win any drag races or deliver the polish of a Prius. Still, for those looking to reduce fuel costs without going full EV, it remains a smart, if somewhat bland, used car option.
| Auto Desk
Explore more on Hyundai, Automotive technology, Consumer information, Product review, 2018 car review
The views, opinions, and positions expressed by our columnists and contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of our publication.
Troy Media empowers Canadian community news outlets by providing independent, insightful analysis and commentary. Our mission is to support local media in helping Canadians stay informed and engaged by delivering reliable content that strengthens community connections and deepens understanding across the country.
